Pittance

/ˈpɪt(ə)ns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a very small or inadequate amount of money paid to someone as a wage or allowance.

After years of hard work, he was disappointed to receive only a pittance as his retirement fund.

a meager amount that is considered inadequate.

The charity provided a pittance to the families affected by the disaster, leaving them in dire need of more support.

a sum of money that is insufficient for one's needs.

She thought his offer was a pittance compared to the effort required to complete the project.

Middle English, from Old French 'pitance', from Latin 'pietas' meaning 'piety, kindness'.

living on a pittance

to survive on a very small amount of money.

pittance of a salary

a salary that is considered extremely low or inadequate.

trifle

something of little value or importance.

pittance

a small amount of money paid to someone.

chump change

He was paid chump change for the entire project.

drop in the bucket

What they paid him was just a drop in the bucket compared to what he deserved.